How Can I Tell if My Child is Using Drugs?
While it is difficult to distinguish typical adolescent behavior from drug-induced behavior, parents should consider possible drug use if they notice several of these changes in their child:
Changes in Physical Appearance
- Lack of personal cleanliness, messy appearance
- Red eyes and frequent use of eye drops
- Runny nose, congestion, coughing
- Wearing dark glasses when not necessary
- Pale face, circles under eyes
Changes in Eating and Sleeping Habits
- Difficulty falling asleep, insomnia
- Inappropriate napping
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Poor appetite
- Sudden appetite (especially for sweets)
- Spends night in unsupervised homes
Physical Evidence of Drug Use
- Liquor missing or watered down
- Fake ID
- Mouthwash, breath sprays
- Visine or other eye drops
- Roach clips, rolling papers
- Bongs, pipes, and small screens
- Baggies containing dried leaves, seeds
- “Stash” cans, often disguised as cola or beer cans
- Burning incense, room deodorizers
- Prescription medicine disappearing
Any drugs or drug paraphernalia you find on your child or in your home are indications of drug use, even if she/he insists they “belong to a friend.”
Changes in Behavior and Personality
- Abrupt changes in mood
- Hostility, defiance of rules
- Depression , “I don’t care attitude”
- Lack of responsibility; not doing chores or homework; forgetting family occasions
- Blaming, lying, making excuses
- Loss of memory, shortened attention span, disordered thought patterns
- Withdrawal from family, isolation, secretiveness
Changes in Friends and Interests
- New or different friends, especially those who use drugs
- Friends rarely introduced and seldom come to the house
- More time spent in room or away from home
- Secrecy about actions and possessions
- Hobbies, sports or extracurricular activities are given up; everything is “boring”
- Stays out past curfew or sneaks out at night
Changes in School or Job Performance
- Failing grades, neglected homework
- Frequent tardiness and absenteeism
- Falling asleep in class
- Discipline problems
- Quitting or getting fired from job
Positive Attitudes Towards Drugs & Alcohol
- Pro-drug messages on posters or clothing
- Strong defense of the occasional use of drugs by peers; thinks adults “hassle” kids
- Easily angered when confronted about chemical use
- Others are concerned over her/his use of alcohol or other drugs